Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Ex-Swim Coach Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges

A former swim coach at Westport’s Staples High School pleaded not guilty in a Bridgeport court today on charges he sexually assaulted two young girls for more than three years.

Jeffrey Schare: released on $150,000 bond. Fairfield Police photo

Jeffrey Schare, 43, of Fairfield, who taught math and coached the boys swim and dive team for seven years until he left in November, was charged with multiple sexual assault counts and risk of injury to a minor last month. (See WestportNow Dec. 17, 2012) He was released on $150,000 bond.

The Connecticut Post said behind Schare in the courtroom sat a large contingent of the alleged victims’ family, all wearing pale blue ribbons on their lapels. The newspaper said he ignored a reporter’s request for comment as he and his lawyer left the courtroom.

Police said Schare’s arrest, which took place in his hometown of Fairfield, came after a lengthy and thorough investigation.

Inklings, the Staples newspaper, said word of Schare’s arrest “comes almost three weeks after Schare’s unexpected leave, which puzzled both students and faculty members.”

Police said both victims, who are now 12 and 8, are acquainted with Schare and attend school in Fairfield. The older girl complained to a counselor at her school, police said.

Story from WN on 12/17/12…states: “Fairfield police today arrested a former swim coach at Westport’s Staples High School ‘after he confessed to sexually assaulting two young girls for more than three years,’ the Connecticut Post said.”

Did WN confirm that the Post was correct in its statement that Schare in fact did confess?